have a tin ear

have a tin ear

1. To lack musical ability, especially in relation to proper pitch. Unfortunately, most karaoke singers have a tin ear.
2. To be unable to recognize subtleties in language. Don't try to joke around with him—he has a tin ear and can't distinguish sarcasm.
See also: ear, have, tin
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have a tin ear

1. If someone has a tin ear, they are not able to hear and understand music well. Some people may have a tin ear but everybody has at least a basic sense of rhythm. Note: You can also say that people have a tin ear for other things that you have to listen to in order to understand them. For a playwright, he has a tin ear for dialogue.
2. If someone has a tin ear for something, they do not understand it fully. Nothing in her past suggests anything other than a tin ear for democratic politics. Compare with have an ear for something.
See also: ear, have, tin
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

have a tin ear

be tone-deaf.
See also: ear, have, tin
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

have a tin ˈear (for something)

(informal) be unable to hear the difference between musical notes or to enjoy music: Even those of us with a tin ear can recognize a waltz.
See also: ear, have, tin
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • tin ear
  • ways and means
  • palace politics
  • in purdah
  • generation gap
  • if (one's) life depended on it
  • not (one's) first barbecue
  • not (one's) first rodeo
  • apron strings
  • your mother's, wife's, etc. apron strings
References in periodicals archive
Ginny, 10, says, "My mom loves music, so she makes us kids play at least two instruments." Cool, unless you have a tin ear or prefer pottery.
"I'm Not You!"